Academic Catalogs

CHE 102 (3 credits)

Physical Science

Integrated course of chemistry physics and earth science with application and experiments to demonstrate the forces of nature and its environment. Three lecture hours per week. Open to non-science majors.

CHE 103 (4 credits)

Science and Contemporary Society

Study of science in the context of social, political, economic and ethical issues. Focus is on understanding of air, global warming, energy, water, nuclear power, polymers, drugs, nutrition and genetic engineering issues. Open to science and non-science majors. Integrates laboratory and classroom work.

CHE 104 (3 credits)

General Chemistry I

Study of basic principles and theories of chemistry including stoichiometry, atomic and molecular structures, the periodic law and its application, solutions, and gas laws. Problem solving is introduced. Three hours lecture per week. Co-requisite: CHE 110 or 112.

CHE 109 (1 credit)

Fundamental Laboratory Techniques

Survey of basic laboratory skills, techniques, and safety with emphasis on applying theoretical ideas in practical situations involving chemistry in everyday life. Two hours of laboratory per week. Open to science and non-science majors. Co-requisite: CHE 106.

CHE 110 (1 credit)

General Chemistry Laboratory I

Laboratory techniques will be discussed and applied to the solution of typical chemical problems and the experimental nature of chemistry. Three hours of laboratory per week. Co-requisite: CHE 104.

CHE 111 (1 credit)

General Chemistry Laboratory II

CHE 112 (1 credit)

Introduction to Forensic Lab

Survey of basic laboratory skills, techniques, and safety, with emphasis on analysis performed in a forensic laboratory. An investigation of physical evidence through the use of scientific procedures will be studied. Open to science and non-science majors. Co-requisite: CHE 104.

CHE 118 (3 credits)

Hands-on Science in the Elementary School

Through hands-on activities in the life, physical and earth sciences, elementary education students and teachers are given opportunities to acquire knowledge of science, increase their skills in using scientific processes, and develop positive attitudes toward science. Open only to elementary education majors.

CHE 202 (3 credits)

Organic Chemistry II

CHE 203 (4 credits)

Environmental Issues

Study of humanity and its environment. Material may be drawn from various disciplines but will include ecological principles, energy resources, population dynamics and pollution. Specific consideration given to human alteration of the environment. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 203 and CHE 203. Integrates laboratory and classroom work for a total of four class hours per semester week.

CHE 210 (1 credit)

Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

Study and practice in the basic techniques employed in an Organic Chemistry laboratory, including crystallization, melting point determination, extraction, chromatography, distillation and other techniques for the isolation and purification of organic compounds. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 110; 105, 111 or 112. Co-requisite: CHE 201.

CHE 212 (4 credits)

Analytical Chemistry

Quantitative study of gravimetric and volumetric methods of analysis with emphasis on problem solving. Other topics will include a survey on the use of instrumental methods of analysis. Attention will be directed primarily to practical aspects of solving analytical problems. Integrates laboratory and classroom work. Prerequisite: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111.

CHE 221 (4 credits)

Instrumental Analysis

Introduction to modern methods of chemical analysis involving the analytical instrumentation routinely employed in chemical, phamaceutical, biomedical and forensic science laboratories. Students will be introdices to UV-Vis, IR, GC-MS, AA, Raman, HPLC, and other types of instrumental analysis. Will integrate lab and lecture coursework. Prerequisites: CHE 212.

CHE 301 (3 credits)

Physical Chemistry I

Study of properties of gases, laws of thermodynamics and thermochemistry. Three lecture hours per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111.

CHE 305 (credits vary)

Research in Chemistry

Research of a selected problem following a preliminary investigation under direction of a staff member. May be extended two or more semesters. Hours and credits to be arranged.

CHE 315 (3 credits)

Forensic Toxicology

Provides a broad exposure and understanding of the field of modern Forensic Toxicology. Methods and concepts including Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, Human performance, Post Mortem, and Forensics Drug testing will be addressed. Prerequisites: CHE 212 and 221.

CHE 316 (2 credits)

Introduction to Chemistry Research

First of three courses in the student research sequence. An introduction to investigative and/or synthetic research in chemistry. The course will focus on literature review in a selected area of interest and development of a rational hypothesis and research proposal. Students will be introduced to research methods and procedures, be exposed to ongoing research projects and be expected to select a research mentor. Prerequisite: junior status.

CHE 317 (2 credits)

Experimentation in Chemistry Research

Second of three courses in the student research sequence. Students will continue studies in a guided research project under the direction of a selected research mentor. Students will advance their research projects through weekly laboratory or field activities. The focus will be on designing and conducting experiments as well as evaluating and interpreting experimental results. Prerequisites: CHE 305 and junior status.

CHE 406 (3 credits)

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Study of the stereochemistry of the inorganic compounds and the oxidation states of individual elements, the coordination of compounds of the transition elements, and the theory of metal ligand bonding. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 301, 302, 303.

CHE 407 (2 credits)

Data Analysis in Math/Science Research

This third and final course in the student research sequence focuses on the interpretation and dissemination of data compiled during investigative studies in laboratory or field studies. Students will complete any final experimentation and wrap-up their research project. Students will work to formulate conclusions and output their data in a presentable research format. The focus will be on preparation of a formal oral presentation, poster presentation or research article. Prerequisites: CHE 317 and senior status.

CHE 410 (1 credit)

Biochemistry Laboratory

Advanced studies in the isolation, purification and characterization of proteins and nucleic acids. An introduction to separation techniques like chromatography, electrophoresis and the evaluation of enzyme activity is provided, as well as an exploration into the basic techniques employed for the isolation, purification and manipulation of DNA. Three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: CHE 104, 105, 110 or 112, 111, 201, 202, 210, 211. Co-requisite: CHE 401.

CHE 480 (6 credit)

Chemistry Internship

Student must participate in 200 hours or more of chemistry-related activities at an off-campus site under the supervision of an internship sponsor. Internships may be procured at any business, academic, government or non-profit agency willing to engage interns in meaningful work or research activities. Prerequisites: junior status and a 2.5 GPA.

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Student Perspective

"In chemistry, it's all about your lab technique. At Alvernia I learned how to do chemistry, correctly and efficiently. I learned to work at a quick pace and think ahead." -Jason Betz '08, Adpen Laboratories, Jacksonville, FL